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 Could it be that > (greater than) and < (less than) are more than just mathematical symbols? I wonder if most of the problems in the world come down to those little marks? Some synonyms for a personal sense of “greater than” are
arrogant, self-important, offensively self-assured, and project a
sense of hubris. “Lesser than” has equally unappealing
meanings: weak, unsure, flustered, lack of confidence, lacking
in power or ability. And, it can lead to inappropriate behavior in
an attempt to capture a sense of self worth. These are the culprits that undermine our success as managers,
in relationships and in giving presentations. On a larger scale,
they also can and have started wars and bred crime.
It may not be easy, but it will be worthwhile to at least try to
conquer either “greater than” or “lesser than” when making
presentations. Clearly, there’s no benefit to anyone in your feeling greater to or
lesser than your listeners or your subject. The fact is: you’re not!
Substitute instead, “equal to.” Equal to: having the same value
or measure, peer, coequal, fellow traveler. One definition for
equivalence reads: The relationship that holds for two
propositions that are either both true or both false, so that the
affirmation of one and the denial of the other results in
contradiction. Start with the experience and knowledge you bring to the event
and choose to see the benefits to your audience of your message.
If you know more about the topic than your listeners do, you
will help them better when you work from the basis of equality
because they will feel included and appreciated.
If you’ve been asked to speak to a group in which you might feel
“lesser than,” remember that you’re all there to learn and
progress, and you can offer what you do know with the
assurance that comes from a secure and equal footing. You
might be surprised at how much they can learn from you when
you speak to them from a place of equality. “Equal to” will help
you get the results you want. Rochelle Canter, Executive Career Coach, San Francisco: “I
really didn't know how being coached over the phone would
work, but since (with my deadline) it was the only way we were
going to be able to work together, I was willing to try because
my upcoming speeches were so important to me. “I appreciated how available you made yourself during the
process and that you were kind, supportive and rigorous sharing
your great advice with me. “I'm not sure which meant the most to me: those crucial tips on
avoiding nervousness, the suggestions for improving the look
and impact of my PowerPoint slides, how to handle the slides
and notes, how to move, or how to get the response I wanted.
But I do know that the result was two good speeches. I felt good
about the entire process and was pleased with the impact of the
speeches.”
“Thank you.” “How do you get over the fear of looking at the audience?” This is kind of a “chicken and egg” thing. If you’ll look at the
audience, look at and see individuals as you speak, you’ll find it
calming. Everything we imagine about them is quite different
from the reality. They’re generally supportive and want you to
do well, and you’ll recognize that you’re talking to human
beings, people. You’ll see some of them respond to what you’re
saying and get encouragement from that. So, before you’re up in front, take time to check them out. Look
at them and get used to seeing them as individuals. And, when
you do stand in front of them, take another moment to breathe
and get used to looking at them one at a time. That way you’ll
all ready have gotten some of the benefits of eye contact before
you even start talking. It really is better. “The manner in which it is given is worth more than the gift.” —Pierre Corneille “A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs, jolted by every pebble in the road.” —Henry Ward Beecher “Truth is shorter than fiction.” —Danny Thomas “Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” —John F. Kennedy “Your chances of success are directly proportional to the degree of pleasure you derive from what you do. If you are in a job you hate, face the fact squarely and get out.” —Michael Korda “In an age short on craftsmanship and long on shoddiness, anything done well laying bricks, playing games, or even writing press releases should be admired.” —George Will “A committee is a cul-de-sac down which ideas are lured and then quietly strangled.” —Sir Barnett Cocks For more great quotes, check out these websites: Think gifts. Someone you know is going to be giving more
presentations soon. Give them a practical gift that will make those
presentations easier and more effective. Learn more or
Order Online. Book Audiotape or CD ROM Booklets by Barbara Rocha: Speeches on Tape: Video Learn more **How to Overcome the Stress of Public Speaking We have two public seminars each year: May and October/November. If
you have several people who could use this training, contact us
regarding an in-house seminar. As a refresher, workshop graduates (from any of our 3-day
workshops) may attend for half price at any time. People tell us
they get as much or more out of the workshop the second time
around. Visit our seminars section for details or call (888) 800-2001 For more information, contact: Barbara Rocha and Associates PO Box 60521, Pasadena, California 91116 (626) 792-8075 |
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